Common Disqualifications

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• Pushing off from the bottom of the pool during a race, or touching the bottom of the pool during any stroke.
• Changing lanes during a race (this occurs most often on entry or after a turn).
• Two false starts by the same person in the same race.
• Starting before a teammate touches during a relay event.
• Swimming strokes in the wrong order during an IM (Individual Medley)
• Pulling yourself along on the lane lines or the side of the pool.

•  Turning onto the stomach during the race, except as part of the new backstroke turn.
• Not touching the end of the pool during a turn.

• Flutter kick or scissors kick.
• Not touching with two hands together during turns and at the finish. Hands must touch together, and must be on the same plane.
• Head does not break the water during one complete cycle of arm pull/leg kick.
• Taking more than one arm pull or leg kick while submerged at the start or turn.

• Flutter kick or scissors kick.
• If arms do not leave and enter the water at the same time.
• If arms do not come out of the water during recovery.
• Not touching with two hands during turns and at the finish (as in Breastbone, above).
• Not keeping both feet synchronized during the dolphin kick.

Keep swimming to the best of your ability. If one member of a relay team is DQ'd, the team should still complete the relay. 

A stroke judge will inform your coach of the "reason for disqualification". If you have any questions about a stroke judge's ruling, ask your coaches. They will be able to get an explanation for you.